Video Shows Massive Destruction in Liberated Assyrian Village in Syria

Posted 2015-06-18 23:23 GMT

The cross of the Mar Bishu Church in the Assyrian village of Tel Shamiram, Syria, remains standing, but the church was completely leveled by ISIS (screen capture).(AINA) -- A video posted on youtube by the Syriac Military Council (NFS), an Assyrian militia that has been fighting ISIS in Syria, shows members of MFS entering the Assyrian village of Tel Shamiram after it has been liberated from ISIS. The video shows massive destruction in the village. ISIS scorched farm fields, destroyed buildings and homes and completely leveled the church of Mar Bishu. The damage caused by ISIS runs into millions of dollars and renders large parts of the village uninhabitable. In addition, ISIS has left booby traps in homes and farm fields in the villages it has retreated from.

There is little commentary in the video, but at one point one of the Assyrian fighters whistles in astonishment at the level of destruction he sees.

Tel Shamiram was captured on February 23 when ISIS attacked the 35 Assyrian villages on the Khabur river in Syria. ISIS captured 253 Assyrians, 108 number from Tel Shamiram. ISIS has released 26 Assyrians to date.

Plaque from the Mar Bishu Church in the Assyrian village of Tel Shamiram, Syria (screen capture).